
What we’re about
**These social dances are fun for all ages, and benefit the body and mind. A fun way to exercise and make friends. You can bring a friend, but you don't need a partner. Typically 60 to 90 of us are dancing many Sunday nights. See Schedule at https://www.sbcds.org** A 20-minute orientation lesson is before each dance
They were not started on Meetup. So you won't see very high RSVP counts since most people attend without RSVPing on Meetup.
Contra Dancing: You love live music, to move to it, to get exercise, to make friends.
This is a great place for non-dancers to explore a new kind of fun, for experienced dancers new to contra dance, and of course returning contra dancers. No experience necessary!
Our live music includes all kinds of instruments depending on the band. Typical instruments include fiddle, guitar, piano, mandolin, accordion, flute.
We offer a 20-minute orientation lesson before each dance where you'll learn the basic structure of a contra dance and the most common figures. The caller teaches the sequence for ach dance before the music starts, and then prompts the figures for a while. The moves are about 30 seconds but then the sequence repeats several more times, and each time you meet another pair of dancers. How sociable!
It's perfectly okay to come to the dance by yourself. Everybody asks everybody to dance.
What to wear: comfortable, smooth-sole (if possible) shoes, lightweight clothing or layers when it's cold. Maybe bring an extra shirt in case you work up a sweat...Let's Dance!
2 of 2: English Country Dancing
The Grandparent of contra dancing, English Country Dancing appeals to your love of variety, excitement, elegance, energy, and even a bit of challenge. Come with friends or come by yourself. Everyone dances.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- CONTRA DANCE 💃 $10 Sunday May 4, 6-9pm, WHOLE HOG band!!SB Carrillo Recreation Center, Santa Barbara, CA$10.00
CONTRA DANCE 💃 Sunday May 4, 6-9pm, WHOLE HOG band!!
CALLER: Chris Page!!!!
At the Santa Barbara Carrillo Recreation Center 100 E Carrillo in the large ballroom with the sprung floor.# $10 Cash/Visa/MC/Venmo
Beginners are welcome, cherished even. No need to bring a partner.
We urge all newcomers to dance with experienced dancers for the first few dances. It helps make if fun and easy for everyone!
Dress: for comfort. We recommend low or flat shoes that don't stick.
WHOLE HOG BAND
For a rollicking good time - Go Whole Hog! https://www.wholehogband.com/
Whole Hog is a bluegrass band that performs timeless hits, eclectic selections from the roots of Americana music. Their sound blends traditional bluegrass repertoire with Irish, vintage jazz, yodeling, country, western swing, honky tonk, and original songwriting.
Seth Andrey Oster (guitar) is a contest winning flatpicker, fingerpicker, singer, yodeler, and buckdancer.
Charletta Erb“Sharleeta” is a California State Adult Division Fiddle Champion recognized for her lyrical waltzes and clear tone. She has a deep affection for Irish and Old Time music.
Keith Frankel found his true passion for music as a teenager when he discovered the five-string banjo. Before moving to California, he worked with a variety of Colorado-based string bands i and currently teaches at Boulevard Music in Culver City.
Corey Highberg sings and plays upright bass. He teaches, researches, composes, and performs music in a variety of styles.For more info check out https://www.sbcds.org/contradance/schedule/
The caller is Chris Page, a special guest, who writes GREAT DANCES, which are enjoyed nationwide. Get ready for some fun Contra dances Sunday night.
CONTRA DANCE: SB Country Dance Society, co-sponsored by the SB Park and Rec Department- Fun social dance
- A live band and a caller
- Enjoyable
- Great Exercise
- Good for the body and brain
- You don't need a partner
Future 2025 Contra Dances
(1st, 3rd, Sundays $10, quarterly free dance :)
DATE BAND CALLER COST
May 4: Whole Hog w. Chris Page $10
May 25: Frank Hoppe Band w Jean Gorrindo $10June 1: Whole Hog w. Chris Page $10
June 15: Corwin & Grace w. Jeff Spero $10June 29: WHOLE HOG and Andy Shore FREE DANCE
For info check out https://www.sbcds.org/contradance/schedule/
A big smile for your body, mind, and soul
ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCE also on May 4th
Caller: Alice Williams
$10, also sponsored by SBCDS
First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara*
New dancer instruction at 1:45, dancing 2:00 to 4:15 pm.
Doors open at 1:40. 21 E. Constance Ave.
Santa Barbara, CA 93105